Fifth-grader Brynna Nelson carefully pours water into a beaker during a science experiment. The water takes the shape of the container proving it’s a liquid. Brynna records her findings.

Later, she uses scissors to cut modeling clay. Brynna discovers the modeling clay remains separated after being cut, proving the substance is a solid. Once again, she records her data.

This is an experiment Brynna and 13 other Edgecomb Eddy School students performed Nov. 16 during the monthly gathering of the science club. The students explored the behavior of fluids in the 105-minute after-school activity.

The demonstration was led by three members of the Topsham-based Maine School of Science Volunteers. The group of 13 retired scientists, teachers, researchers, engineers and doctors formed the organization two decades ago, according to member Toni Mercadante, a retired physical chemist. The organization meets with six other Midcoast middle school science clubs in hopes of inspiring the next generation of scientists.

The purpose of today’s lesson is showing how molecules arrange themselves in forming liquids and solids. Brynna and her fellow junior scientists perform experiments, record data and make observations, just like Mercadante did in her professional career.

The students examine how water, cardboard and modeling clay react when cut, poured or bent. Some experiments yield observations that are pretty obvious. Others aren’t so predictable.

When the students experiment with Silly Putty, they discover the substance has both liquid- and solid-like characteristics. From the data, the students consider whether to classify Silly Putty as a solid or liquid.

The experiment’s purpose is to make the young scientists think about their observations.

“We want to challenge them beyond the obvious,” Mercadante said. “When they do the experiment, they’re surprised Silly Putty has both characteristics. So we talk about their observations and want them to defend their positions.”

Mercadante is joined by two colleagues: Topsham resident Lovey Oesterlin, a retired researcher and educator, and Harpswell resident John Ruid, who developed improved forms of products such as sandpaper and fiberglass in his professional career.

Mercadante and Oesterlin joined the Maine School of Science Volunteers in hopes of inspiring junior high school-aged students about science in the same manner they were at that age. Oesterlin credits a seventh grade teacher and college professor for stimulating her curiosity in science.

“My teachers really got me excited by how they taught it. And that is why I’m here,” Oesterlin said. “I want to generate that type of interest in these students who are the problem solvers of the next generation.”

Ruid joined the volunteer group in order to promote science and technological education. He is concerned about the U.S. lagging behind in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education (STEM).

“The country is in dire need of STEM. It’s a big deal because every day we are falling even further behind. I hope these experiments will encourage young students to pursue a career in the sciences,” he said.

The Silly Putty experiment yields startling results. The retirees inform the class that Silly Putty is a special kind of fluid. It’s a non-Newtonian fluid which has an unusual flow characteristic due to an ingredient called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

The Silly Putty has a thick, sticky consistency which enables the substance to act as a viscous liquid over a long period of time, but also as an elastic solid over a short period.

During the experiment, Brynna asks herself three questions. Does it flow? Does it take a shape? And can you cut it? She concludes Silly Putty has characteristics of both a solid and a liquid.

She enjoyed the experiment and learning about polymers: large, slow moving molecules. Brynna joined the science club to discover more about the world around her.

“Science is fun,” she said. “And finding out about new things is the most interesting part.”

Brynna’s science experiment partner is her classmate Maggie Kastelein, who also finds science fascinating.

“I like the experiments. They’re a lot of fun. You don’t know what will happen so it’s a big surprise in the end,” Maggie said.

The Science Club is directed by teacher Sarah Currier. She has observed the volunteers several times leading workshops for middle school students. She believes the volunteers are well-prepared in teaching young students.

“I’ve seen them a couple of times and they all seem cool, calm and collected in the classroom. I think the experiments are wonderful, and the students really get a lot out of them,” Currier said.

The Maine School of Science of Volunteers will facilitate experiments once a month in Edgecomb. The workshops will take place from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the school’s project room.